Riverbend Plantation Virtual Tour

Monday, December 21, 2009

Your RPMIA Inc. Board of Directors would like to encourage all Riverbend Plantation residents to “remain engaged” in the rezoning issue.

We believe that the HCBE board members and staff are listening to the concerns of the Thompson Mill Road corridor homeowners and are considering alternatives to the proposed rezoning maps.

As a property owner or parent, you can influence this process by doing any or all of the following:

1.) Stay informed. Updated information and meeting schedules are available on the HCBE website at hcbe.net

2.) Talk it up. Keep your friends, family and neighbors engaged by “talking up” the issue. Encourage them to stay informed by visiting hcbe.net for current information.

3.) Attend any HCBE board meetings that you can. Don’t be afraid to bring people with you. There is strength in numbers!

4.) Post your comments or concerns on the HCBE website at hcbe.net

You may also want to consider contacting any of the HCBE board members personally to discuss your concerns. They will listen. If you choose to post comments or contact a board member, please be respectful and courteous while voicing your concerns.

It is very important that we “remain engaged” until this rezoning process is complete. We believe that if any alternative maps are to be considered, they will be available for review at the January 11th HCBE work session or at the January 12th HCBE board meeting. The final vote on the rezoning maps is scheduled to occur on January 28, 2010. We must “remain engaged” until the final vote!

Cookies with Santa was another Riverbend Plantation hit! Despite the rain, Santa and Riverbend neighbours made it to the clubhouse to socialize, enjoy some cookies and have one last opportunity to let Santa know what is on their wish list.

Monday, November 23, 2009

About 250 Houston County parents attended a meeting Thursday night to discuss a rezoning plan drawn up because of the opening of Veterans High School. Some of these attendees were our very own Riverbend Plantation residents Amy Williams and Brandee Cleghorn. Thanks to all who attended but keep the rally going!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Don't forget this weeks public forum to discuss VHS zoning. Are you happy that we are zones to WRHS? If not - let your voice be heard!

What Can YOU Do?- Keep informed by checking hcbe.net and Riverbend plantation websites- Post comments and questions to hcbe.net- Encourage friends and family to visit hcbe site and post comments (Talk it up!)- Please email any comments to rpmiainc@windstream.net or call Byrd and Company at 478-971-2600 to discuss- Plan to attend the one remaining hcbe public hearing (19 Nov @ 7PM - WR High)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Thanks to all of you that have called and Emailed! A few Riverbend residents have called and emails have been received from several others - feedback to date is unanimous - residents seem to be in opposition of the proposed zoning maps. Residents from Southfield, Waterford, and River West share the same opinion. Opposition is for the same reasons: the maps split neighborhoods/schools and are too demographically driven. The RPMIA board believes that joining with other neighborhoods could be an effective way to argue against the maps as a whole, as opposed to one area arguing against them "just because they didn't get what they wanted."

Steps Taken To Date by The RPMIA Inc. Board of Directors:

- A meeting is scheduled tomorrow morning for our board member to meet with Superintendent David Carpenter to discuss maps: process used in creating them, legitimacy of the court order, resident opposition to them, possibility for change, etc.

- Board has already talked to a couple of the HCBE Board Members and will be scheduling meetings with some/or all of them in the next few days.

Potential Next Steps Based Upon Above Meetings:

- Call a meeting of all interested parties along the Thompson Mill Corridor. The purpose being to unite in opposition to the maps and designate members of each subdivision to be primary points of contact.

- Consider circulating a petition, formal plan to lobby HCBE Board members, and the possibility of raising money to hire an attorney to represent the Corridor in this issue.

- Involved residents in the Royal Oaks/Sanderfur Road area have engaged in discussions regarding the possibility of sharing ideas and resources. Joining with them could be an effective way to argue against the maps as a whole, as opposed to one area arguing against them "just because they didn't get what they wanted." Joining forces would help with the costs, if qualified legal representation is attained, it could be expensive.

Monday, November 2, 2009

With the new addition of Veterans High School next year our neighborhood has been zoned for Warner Robins High School. We are the only section of Bonaire that will not be zoned for Veterans High School.

How will this affect you?

Whether you have kids or not – this decision will impact you!

All of our children’s friends that grow up together through Bonaire Elementary and Bonaire Middle will no longer go to school together once they enter High School.

We are part of Bonaire and should be included in Veteran’s zoning with the rest of Bonaire.

We pay high taxes and are in the county. Now that we have a new high school in the county which is close in proximity to us, why should we be sent to Warner Robins High School?

Many kids will be bused in from across town to Warner Robins High. We are being used for diversifying “socio-economic” status, as stated in the Telegraph on Wednesday.

Per Mr. Thublin (assistant superintendent for finance & business ops) at rezoning forum on 27 Oct, the primary reasons for the Thompson Mill communities being zoned to WR high were the following:

Each school zone needs to have a “growth zone” for their population – we are one of the few now zoned for WR

The goal (per a verbal recommendation from the Dept of Justice in 2004) was to have each school contain 36% African-American students (+/- 10%). He stated that our predominately Caucasian communities would drive down the average at Veterans (if we were added) to below the 26% threshold.

Don’t have school age kids?

What about future potential homebuyers – they may have kids, how will this zoning decision impact potential homebuyers perception and decision making?

Perception is reality – potential home buyers will more than likely want their children to attend the high school w/ the newest and best (perceived) resources.

If we are the only section of Bonaire zoned differently, houses may not sell as well in our subdivisions.

There is a group of us that would like to lobby for a zoning change from the current proposed status of Warner Robins High School to Veterans High School. We cannot do it alone, please let your voice be heard!

The RPMIA Inc. Board of Directors is interested in your opinion on this issue. Please email any comments to rpmiainc@windstream.net or call Byrd and Company at 478-971-2600 to discuss.

If a majority of our residents either support or oppose the HCBE zoning maps, the Association could take formal action in support of or in opposition to these maps. Please let us know what you think!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Check your snail-mail-box this weekend...just like residents in Southfield Plantation, some Riverbend residents are letting their voices be heard and sharing their thoughts on the current zoning. Regardless of your opinion - please email any comments to rpmiainc@windstream.net or call Byrd and Company at 478-971-2600 to discuss. If a majority of our residents either supports or opposes the HCBE zoning maps, the Association could take formal action in support of or in opposition to these maps.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The RPMIA Inc. Board of Directors is interested in your opinion on this issue. Please email any comments to rpmiainc@windstream.net or call Byrd and Company at 478-971-2600 to discuss. If a majority of our residents either supports or opposes the HCBE zoning maps, the Association could take formal action in support of or in opposition to these maps. Please let us know what you think !

Please check out the following sites for information on proposed zoning. Currently Riverbend Plantation is zoned for Warner Robins High School.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

It's that time again when children enjoy dressing up and roaming our neighborhood, trick-or-treating in search of some of their favorite candy. To keep your little goblins safe, just take a minute and read the below tips for Halloween 10/31/2009...! Have a great and safe time this Halloween season. Booooo.....!!! Remember, if the porch light is on - trick-or-treaters are welcome.

Tips:

Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths.Use fresh flashlight batteries. Check it BEFORE you leave the house.Chemical GLOW in the DARK LIGHT STICKS can be used along with flashlights.Go to the bathroom just before going trick and treating.Always WALK, do not run. You can slip and fall down... OUCH...!!!Walk SINGLE file, facing the traffic.Cross only at corners, with adults.DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT wear and use rollerblades to go out trick-or-treating.DO NOT assume you have the right of way.Because one car stops, doesn't mean others will...!DO NOT cut across strangers yards or driveways. Trip on hoses, rakes...!Wear a watch you can read in the dark.Set the watch alarm if you have time limit for Trick-or-Treating.Make sure your costumes don't drag on the ground.Wear comfortable walking shoes, and they should fit properly.Make sure your shoe laces are tighted tight. You can trip...!!!Avoid wearing your mask while walking from house to house.Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.Avoid pointed props such as spears, or wands that endanger other children's eyes.Wear clothing and costumes with reflective tape or "Glow in the Dark" markings.Visit houses that have lights on, especially houses with Halloween decorations.Always use the front door, NEVER go to the back of a house.Stay away from any animals that you don't know.Please don't pet animals you know or don't know you.Always carry a spare Halloween bag just in case yours breaks.Always be polite. And don't forget to say "Thank You".

Thursday, October 1, 2009

To ensure you stay connected to what is going on in our neighborhood please sign up below or to the left for automatic community updates. By following these simple steps you will get and stay connected!

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You will not receive any additional Emails - no solicitation. You will only receive notifications when the website is updated with important information such as:

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If you have concers or questions please call me, Sharon Smith at 225-9141.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

RPMIA, INC. 309 Margie Drive Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 971-2600

Announcements

Movie night on the lawn (to benefit the Dana Baker Family) has been rescheduled for October 2nd, 7:30 PM, at the Riverbend Plantation Clubhouse. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs and coolers for a twilight showing of Night at the Museum. In addition to accepting donations, we will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs for a small fee with all proceeds going to The Baker Family. A special thanks goes to John and Angie Hughes for donating the video/audio equipment for this event. Please call the office NLT Thursday, October 1st at 5:00 PM to RSVP.

The Riverbend Plantation pool will be closing for the season at sunset on October 4th. Your RPMIA, Inc. Board of Directors would like to thank all Riverbend residents for a great summer of fun at the pool! A special thanks goes to resident Bill Ott for helping look after our pool operation. Please note that there should be no swimming in the pool after Sunday, October, 4th.

After lots of ideas from RP residents concerning a community website, resident Sharon Smith-Rodriguez has started a community blog at: http://riverbendplantation.blogspot.com.This website will be a work in progress as we hope to add a calendar of events, among other things. Thanks to Sharon for her efforts!

Reminders

Please be reminded of the following covenant concerns brought to the Board by RP residents:

No vehicles shall be parked on any street in the subdivision. Also, no utility trailers, motor homes, or boats with trailers shall be parked for overnight (or longer) on any lot in the subdivision.

No owner of any residence shall at any one time have on the premises a total of more than two dogs or two cats. Any dog or cat on any lot shall be kept on a proper leash or inside a fence at all times. No dog or cat shall be allowed to run free except on his owner’s lot.

Proper maintenance (to fencing) shall include, but not be limited to, staining and /or sealing, or pressure washing all fences at least bi-annually to maintain an attractive appearance and to protect fence from weathering.

No ATV traffic is permitted on the vacant land adjacent to the subdivision. RP residents may enjoy company owned land by foot or bicycle only. Absolutely no hunting is permitted at any time on company owned property.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in these matters and for making Riverbend Plantation a great place to live!

Something To Think About

The Houston County Board of Education will be discussing school rezonings in the coming weeks. We believe that Riverbend will remain in the Bonaire Elementary and Bonaire Middle School zones. However, it is likely that our subdivision will be one that could go to either Warner Robins High School or the newly constructed Veterans High School. If you have an opinion on this issue, we want to know it. Please call Sophie or Emily at 478-971-2600 and let them know if you prefer WRHS or VHS, and why. In addition, RPMIA Inc. Board member Brad Schlenker will represent the Association as these rezoning discussions take place. Thanks in advance to Brad for donating his time to monitor this important issue!

The Riverbend Plantation Development Group and RPMIA Inc. Board of Directors would like to wish everyone well. As always we appreciate the fact that you have chosen Riverbend to call home. If you have any questions or comments, please contact an Association Board member or email the Association at rpmia_inc.@windstream.net.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Continuing tradition, the Easter Bunny paid a special trip to the Riverbend Plantation Clubhouse.

After cookies, juice and a movie, the kids went outside to begin the hunt for the gold and silver eggs. Although there were only a few "special" eggs, all the eggs were filled with candy. Everyone went home with a basket full of eggs and a smile on their face.